Dave Holland always described Sam Rivers’ groups as his finishing school. It was Sam who instructed him to play “all the music” – inside, outside, atonal, swing, blues, and all the hues of the jazz and chamber music traditions. By the time of Contrasts, Rivers and Holland had been working together consistently for seven years (with Dave’s Conference of the Birds at the start of the story), a powerhouse combination of multi-reeds and double bass. Of the drummers who passed through the line-up, Thurman Barker was one of the most creative, rippling across drum kit and marimba. Young trombone innovator George Lewis had already worked with Holland and Barker in Anthony Braxton groups. For Contrasts everyone was fired up and ready to play.

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TRACKLIST

A1 Circles 4:19
A2 Zip 4:44
A3 Solace 6:57
A4 Verve 7:12
B1 Dazzle 9:16
B2 Images 3:54
B3 Lines 7:11

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5
Recommended

Posted by Sam on 10th May 2022

Sam Rivers is simply top notch. With Dave Holland on bass, this album reminds me sonically of Holland's "Conference of the Birds", apparently a precursor to Contrasts. Creative and distinctive, this sounds fresh even though it was recorded in 1979. The trombone adds a lot of color to "Dazzle". Variety abounds, from dense bursts of activity "Dazzle" to a slower, pensive composition like "Images".
5
Great then. Great now

Posted by Kennet on 10th May 2022

Bought this on vinyl when it was originally released. Great then. Great now. Sam Rivers is a unique treasure. One of the greatest voices on tenor. And flute. And soprano. He also has a voice on piano. This album seems greatly under appreciated (IMHO). He always seemed to have a telepathic sense when playing with Dave Holland. Like so many recordings done in the 70's by ECM the music needs to be heard. As always with ECM the sound is unsurpassed and truly highlights Mr. Rivers compositions. He made so much good music. Check out what I consider his finest group, the trio with Barry Altschul & Dave Holland. A 'MUST' is 'Reunion: Live in NYC at Columbia University'. By the way (DUH) a must have is Conference of the Birds. But this, don't miss it, BUY IT.